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Flora Maguire Mysteries #2
Death at the Abbey
Even the most glamorous stately homes hide secrets and lies from the past... When Flora Maguire receives an alarming telegram informing her of her father’s tragic death in a riding accident, she races back from London to her childhood home.
But when Flora and her new husband, Bunny, get to Cleeve Abbey – where she was once Governess to Eddy, Viscount Trent, and her father was butler to Earl Trent – it’s all is not well.
Flora’s intention was to bury her father next to Lily, her mother, who sadly passed away when Flora was a small child. But it turns out that a mystery surrounds the whereabouts of Lily’s final resting place.
No-one is willing to talk. And, with her father now dead in what seems like a suspicious accident, Flora must now strive alone to uncover hidden family secrets. And a terrible betrayal with the power to change everything…
A cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey, and set in the glorious Cotswolds landscape.
Previously published as Murder at Cleeve Abbey.
But when Flora and her new husband, Bunny, get to Cleeve Abbey – where she was once Governess to Eddy, Viscount Trent, and her father was butler to Earl Trent – it’s all is not well.
Flora’s intention was to bury her father next to Lily, her mother, who sadly passed away when Flora was a small child. But it turns out that a mystery surrounds the whereabouts of Lily’s final resting place.
No-one is willing to talk. And, with her father now dead in what seems like a suspicious accident, Flora must now strive alone to uncover hidden family secrets. And a terrible betrayal with the power to change everything…
A cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey, and set in the glorious Cotswolds landscape.
Previously published as Murder at Cleeve Abbey.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
380 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Anita Davison
24 books157 followersAuthor of the Flora Maguire Mysteries published by Aria Fiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 26, 2016
Great second installment in the Flora Maguire series by Anita Davison! In fact, I think I'd say I liked it even better than the first:)
A year or better has passed since we last met Flora, and now she and Bunny are married and living at his family estate. Flora receives bad news about her Father, the butler at Cleeve Abbey, and the couple set out to return to her childhood home. Flora isn't satisfied with the information she receives, and begins to ask questions. Intrigues are afoot and buried secrets are coming to the light. Great pace in the book with warm, well-written characters and descriptions that make it easy to picture everything in your mind. I look forward to seeing what Flora and Bunny get up to in their next adventure!
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Anita Davison, and Aria Publishers for a copy to read and review!**
A year or better has passed since we last met Flora, and now she and Bunny are married and living at his family estate. Flora receives bad news about her Father, the butler at Cleeve Abbey, and the couple set out to return to her childhood home. Flora isn't satisfied with the information she receives, and begins to ask questions. Intrigues are afoot and buried secrets are coming to the light. Great pace in the book with warm, well-written characters and descriptions that make it easy to picture everything in your mind. I look forward to seeing what Flora and Bunny get up to in their next adventure!
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Anita Davison, and Aria Publishers for a copy to read and review!**
December 13, 2016
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It is for this reason that I was delighted to be offered the chance to read a book that not only has a dead body (WOO HOO!! Order is restored!!) but also that brilliant back drop of Edwardian England. Anita really brings the era to life in her writing, I could easily have walking the halls of Cleeve Abbey, wandering over the rolling fields with my gentleman on my arm!
I loved the mystery and the beauty that Anita brought to her book, Flora Maguire is a superb character and she now has a firm fan in me! I cannot wait for the next instalment!
It is for this reason that I was delighted to be offered the chance to read a book that not only has a dead body (WOO HOO!! Order is restored!!) but also that brilliant back drop of Edwardian England. Anita really brings the era to life in her writing, I could easily have walking the halls of Cleeve Abbey, wandering over the rolling fields with my gentleman on my arm!
I loved the mystery and the beauty that Anita brought to her book, Flora Maguire is a superb character and she now has a firm fan in me! I cannot wait for the next instalment!
November 9, 2017
Flora Maguire returns to the place she grew up for her father's funeral. But was his death an accident or murder, and who would want such a decent man dead? Suspicious behavior is everywhere, villagers and at the manor house where she was once a governess. The mysterious circumstances of her mother's supposed death years earlier still haunts her. Lies and deceptions reveal themselves.
Miss Davison writes with elegance and layers on the intriguing clues to keep you guessing. I was caught up in the story immediately. Book two in this series does not disappoint.
Miss Davison writes with elegance and layers on the intriguing clues to keep you guessing. I was caught up in the story immediately. Book two in this series does not disappoint.
February 10, 2017
Bunny and Flora, an amateur sleuth, met in the prequel, Murder on the Mesopotamia, while on a voyage from New York to England. In Betrayal at Cleeve Abbey, the delightful couple have not been married for long when news arrives that Flora’s father is dead. With Bunny’s sympathy and support Flora battles to find out the truth about her father, Riordan’s death, which she suspects is due to unnatural circumstances. Flora is also determined to find out where Lily, her mother is buried so that Riordan can be laid to rest beside her. Eventually, it seems there is a possibility that Lily is alive.
A difficult mother-in-law, a pink corset, a missing maid, violent illness after the summer fete, an uncooperative doctor and much more combine to interest the reader in Betrayal at Cleeve Abbey.
Davison brings all the characters to life, Lord Vaughan the owner of Cleeve Abbey, his wife, son, daughter and brother-in-law, the staff, the owner of a brewery and a pushy widow, to name a few.
The author has captured the early 19th century in her descriptions of people and places, trams and the kitchen garden. The protagonists act and speak according to the early 20th century in which the novel is set.
This is a satisfying novel to savour. I look forward to reading more novels in the series.
A difficult mother-in-law, a pink corset, a missing maid, violent illness after the summer fete, an uncooperative doctor and much more combine to interest the reader in Betrayal at Cleeve Abbey.
Davison brings all the characters to life, Lord Vaughan the owner of Cleeve Abbey, his wife, son, daughter and brother-in-law, the staff, the owner of a brewery and a pushy widow, to name a few.
The author has captured the early 19th century in her descriptions of people and places, trams and the kitchen garden. The protagonists act and speak according to the early 20th century in which the novel is set.
This is a satisfying novel to savour. I look forward to reading more novels in the series.
December 14, 2016
I am a great admirer of cozy mysteries, especially those that are easy to read but complex in plot, with wonderfully quirky characters that puzzle the reader, and that leaves the reader guessing until the very end. BETRAYAL AT CLEEVE ABBEY is one of those such books! I love, love, love this series!
Flora and her husband, Ptolemy, aka "Bunny" rush to Cleeve Abbey upon learning of her father's death. Cleeve Abbey is where Flora grew up under the love and guidance of her father who was the butler there. But when they arrive, they become perplexed with the circumstances of her father's death. At the same time, they learn of another strange mystery at the abbey - that of a missing young woman, whose absence is hauntingly reminiscent of what happened to Flora's mother decades earlier.
Through encounters with other character, and the asking of many questions, Flora and Bunny encounter more puzzlement as they unearth new suspicions and dark secrets that ultimately unleash danger upon them. This charming cozy mystery has several subplots which spin at the same time as the investigation into Flora's father's death. Page by page, connections are revealed, tantalizing the reader to keep turning pages. The climax is intense as dark secrets are revealed which I never saw coming.
I loved both Flora Maguire mysteries. Flora is a nicely developed character and her relationship with Bunny is oftentimes humorous as well as intense. The intricate plot with its many odd characters kept me turning the pages until the stunning end. I highly recommend this to everyone who loves historical fiction and who would like to venture into the cozy mystery genre. Highly recommended!
This book follows close on the heals of author, Anita Davison's first book in the Flora Maguire series FLORA'S SECRET. Although I recommend you read both books, each one can be read independent of the other, and they do not have to be read in order.
Flora and her husband, Ptolemy, aka "Bunny" rush to Cleeve Abbey upon learning of her father's death. Cleeve Abbey is where Flora grew up under the love and guidance of her father who was the butler there. But when they arrive, they become perplexed with the circumstances of her father's death. At the same time, they learn of another strange mystery at the abbey - that of a missing young woman, whose absence is hauntingly reminiscent of what happened to Flora's mother decades earlier.
Through encounters with other character, and the asking of many questions, Flora and Bunny encounter more puzzlement as they unearth new suspicions and dark secrets that ultimately unleash danger upon them. This charming cozy mystery has several subplots which spin at the same time as the investigation into Flora's father's death. Page by page, connections are revealed, tantalizing the reader to keep turning pages. The climax is intense as dark secrets are revealed which I never saw coming.
I loved both Flora Maguire mysteries. Flora is a nicely developed character and her relationship with Bunny is oftentimes humorous as well as intense. The intricate plot with its many odd characters kept me turning the pages until the stunning end. I highly recommend this to everyone who loves historical fiction and who would like to venture into the cozy mystery genre. Highly recommended!
This book follows close on the heals of author, Anita Davison's first book in the Flora Maguire series FLORA'S SECRET. Although I recommend you read both books, each one can be read independent of the other, and they do not have to be read in order.
February 6, 2017
"Betrayal at Cleeve Abbey" is a mystery set in 1902 in England. It's the second book in a series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one. However, the characters referred to some events in the previous novel including (I think) spoiling whodunit.
The characters were interesting. I liked how Flora's husband was very supportive of her and that Flora was able to handle herself creditably in a dangerous situation. The many historical details (like news, technology, dress, etc.) were woven into the story without slowing the pacing.
The story involved several mysteries--past and present--that might or might not be connected. Some mysteries were a matter of finding the person who knew what had happened and was willing to talk about it, which wasn't exactly easy. For the murder mystery, Flora asked questions and uncovered clues until she had a good idea of what had happened. I was not surprised by whodunit, but I hadn't guessed whydunit until the confession scene.
There were no graphic sex scenes. There was no bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical mystery novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The characters were interesting. I liked how Flora's husband was very supportive of her and that Flora was able to handle herself creditably in a dangerous situation. The many historical details (like news, technology, dress, etc.) were woven into the story without slowing the pacing.
The story involved several mysteries--past and present--that might or might not be connected. Some mysteries were a matter of finding the person who knew what had happened and was willing to talk about it, which wasn't exactly easy. For the murder mystery, Flora asked questions and uncovered clues until she had a good idea of what had happened. I was not surprised by whodunit, but I hadn't guessed whydunit until the confession scene.
There were no graphic sex scenes. There was no bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical mystery novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 26, 2017
The second in the Flora Maguire cosy mystery series, sees Flora now married to the lovely Bunny Harrington. However all is not rosy in Richmond as life with Bunny comes with a harridan of a mother in law. Flora's miseries are compounded by a mysterious fire and the sudden and unexpected death of her father in a riding accident necessitating her return to Cleeve Abbey where she was brought up with the daughters of the house and latterly employed as governess to the young son, who we met in Book 1.
Flora's suspicions about the nature of her father's death are aroused by the manner of his death. Riordan Maguire did not ride horses so how did he come to be riding one on the night of his death and what has become of the missing housemaid? Throw in a dastardly butler, a handsome neighbour and a scheming widow and all is not well at Cleeve Abbey. The visit also arouses memories of her mother and her unexplained death.
Another delightful holiday read from Ms. Davidson. As genteel as the Edwardian society in which it is set. Recommended for all lovers of cosy mysteries.
Flora's suspicions about the nature of her father's death are aroused by the manner of his death. Riordan Maguire did not ride horses so how did he come to be riding one on the night of his death and what has become of the missing housemaid? Throw in a dastardly butler, a handsome neighbour and a scheming widow and all is not well at Cleeve Abbey. The visit also arouses memories of her mother and her unexplained death.
Another delightful holiday read from Ms. Davidson. As genteel as the Edwardian society in which it is set. Recommended for all lovers of cosy mysteries.
January 24, 2017
This is the second installment in this new mystery series. Our plucky heroine, Flora, has lost her father and travels back to her childhood home, where her father was the butler. Flora, and her husband Bunny, are greeted with open arms, but something is not quite right. Her father fell off of a horse, but her father didn't like to ride horses. HMMM.... This sets Flora off to discover all she can about her father''s death. As the details unravel, Flora finds out much more than she bargained for. Flora and Bunny are a good team, even though Flora tends to wander off to ask questions, much to Bunny's chagrin.
This book is full of twists and turns, surprises and plot devices. The characters are well drawn and interesting and each one manages to leave out a crucial detail from the past that would help Flora solve her father's death and childhood nightmares. I find the books very readable, and have already added the third installment to my ready list.
This book is full of twists and turns, surprises and plot devices. The characters are well drawn and interesting and each one manages to leave out a crucial detail from the past that would help Flora solve her father's death and childhood nightmares. I find the books very readable, and have already added the third installment to my ready list.
November 29, 2016
I did not get to the first in the series. This was the second book but it did not detract from
the story or my interest in the book.
Flora is now very happily married but has just received disturbing news of her father's death
in a riding accident. Going back to the house where she lived and worked as a governess, she finds the circumstances of her father's death strange, and even stranger that a lot of people want to pass
this off as a tragic accident when the signs for Flora are that it is anything but an accident. Getting
even her husband to accept her point of view takes some doing but gradually she unravels a plot
that proves her right.
Finding the culprit however is going to be a tougher struggle against many odds and when you begin to uncover family secrets you are also going to be very unpopular.
A very nice mystery murder cleverly untangled.
the story or my interest in the book.
Flora is now very happily married but has just received disturbing news of her father's death
in a riding accident. Going back to the house where she lived and worked as a governess, she finds the circumstances of her father's death strange, and even stranger that a lot of people want to pass
this off as a tragic accident when the signs for Flora are that it is anything but an accident. Getting
even her husband to accept her point of view takes some doing but gradually she unravels a plot
that proves her right.
Finding the culprit however is going to be a tougher struggle against many odds and when you begin to uncover family secrets you are also going to be very unpopular.
A very nice mystery murder cleverly untangled.
December 27, 2017
I found the characters interesting and the plot well worked out but I have a major complaint and that is that the proofreading of this novel was the worst I have ever encountered, which is why I gave it only 3 stars. Many, many mistakes and wrong words used made reading it quite a challenge since the reader has to fill in the corrections as they read which is a bit tedious. I think the author probably has many more good stories to tell and I hope she gets better help from her editors in the future.
December 6, 2016
Book Two continues the life of Flora Maguire, now happily married to Bunny Harrington. When she is called back to her former home to bury her father, she discovers all is not what it appears on the surface. There's an intriguing mystery, and suspense builds as she tries to learn the truth concerning events that happened long ago. But Flora makes a wily opponent with first rate detective skills. As entertaining as the first!
January 6, 2017
Good sequel
Very good sequel to first book, which I also enjoyed. Flora makes a good heroine along with her husband Bunny as support. Would recommend to anyone who likes their heroines fiesty.
Very good sequel to first book, which I also enjoyed. Flora makes a good heroine along with her husband Bunny as support. Would recommend to anyone who likes their heroines fiesty.
April 24, 2018
Entertaining
Entertaining story but the editing is very disappointing. Not only is the grammar below standard, there are places where the story contradictory.
Entertaining story but the editing is very disappointing. Not only is the grammar below standard, there are places where the story contradictory.
May 2, 2018
Upstairs Downstairs type of book with a mystery thrown in. Quite good except for the many errors that should have been caught by a proofreader. That took it down a star.
August 11, 2018
I like the character of Flora Maguire. I've read the first installment of this series and enjoyed it as an easy read, without any jarring mistakes and disruptions in the plot or in the editing. I wish I could say that the second installment. Flora struggles to be the wife of someone who is "above her station" in turn of the previous century Great Britain. Beatrice, her new mother-in-law, is about as flat of character as I have read in recent years. She is predictable and annoyingly uninteresting as her son, Bunny, kowtows to her manipulative demands which have no influence on the plot. (One star gone.)
I subtracted another star when the author broke the fourth wall by making a comment about the noises in the upstairs of the stables. Who's narrating the story here? (Editing???)
I subtracted another star for the poor quality editing beyond what I mentioned above. Poor word choices / misspellings too many to list. In the author's note, she makes a point of thanking the specific person who provided assistance in correcting errors. If it was paid assistance, the author should ask for a refund.
I subtracted another star when the author broke the fourth wall by making a comment about the noises in the upstairs of the stables. Who's narrating the story here? (Editing???)
I subtracted another star for the poor quality editing beyond what I mentioned above. Poor word choices / misspellings too many to list. In the author's note, she makes a point of thanking the specific person who provided assistance in correcting errors. If it was paid assistance, the author should ask for a refund.
August 11, 2025
This is such a sweet series. I love the relationship between Bunny and Flora, he cares for her so tenderly. This book is set 15 months after the first book and I highly recommend reading the first book as there is a story line that starts there and continues in this book.
In Death at the Abbey we get a real upstairs/ downstairs look (think Downton Abbey) but with Flora being able to go between the two worlds. I really enjoyed that aspect of it. We meet some new characters who are lovely and Eddy returns.
Essentially Bunny is our sidekick character in this series, he brings his own set of intelligence, puzzle solving and experience to the story which I also enjoyed. Flora is no damsel in distress that needs to be rescued but she does know how to get herself into a pickle. Flora is such a strong woman and kicks back against a lot of the expectations of her era yet still maintaining a respect for the people around her and society that she finds herself in, which is something that I appreciate. Respectfully challenging is the way I see it.
In Death at the Abbey we get a real upstairs/ downstairs look (think Downton Abbey) but with Flora being able to go between the two worlds. I really enjoyed that aspect of it. We meet some new characters who are lovely and Eddy returns.
Essentially Bunny is our sidekick character in this series, he brings his own set of intelligence, puzzle solving and experience to the story which I also enjoyed. Flora is no damsel in distress that needs to be rescued but she does know how to get herself into a pickle. Flora is such a strong woman and kicks back against a lot of the expectations of her era yet still maintaining a respect for the people around her and society that she finds herself in, which is something that I appreciate. Respectfully challenging is the way I see it.
November 5, 2016
In this second book of Flora Maguire's adventures she has now been married to Bunny Harrington for over a year when she is told of the death of her father - butler at Cleeve Abbey. All she wants is to be sure that the death was accident as she starts to ask questions, but her dreams have come back to haunt her.
Some lovely characters and descriptions as the mysteries of the past and present unravel.
A NetGalley Book.
Some lovely characters and descriptions as the mysteries of the past and present unravel.
A NetGalley Book.
January 26, 2018
Protagonist Annoy
The protagonist, Flora, is too young and immature to carry the weight of the plot She asks a lot of blunt questions inappropriate times. The impression given is of Aaron immature spoiled young woman.. An older, sophisticated women is needed. All so, several. storylines are going at one time. There are at least 3 of more intertwined. I found this book annoying and boring.
The protagonist, Flora, is too young and immature to carry the weight of the plot She asks a lot of blunt questions inappropriate times. The impression given is of Aaron immature spoiled young woman.. An older, sophisticated women is needed. All so, several. storylines are going at one time. There are at least 3 of more intertwined. I found this book annoying and boring.
March 7, 2019
I don't think this was as good as the first book in the series, but it was quite good. Some events seemed a stretch.
It is about 2 years after the first book. Flora and Bunny are now married and living with his mother. Flora's father dies and they return to Cleeve Abbey to bury him. Flora has unanswered questions - wash her father's death an accident and what happened to her mother. Both are answered and we learn a lot more about Flora's life.
Looking forward to #3.
It is about 2 years after the first book. Flora and Bunny are now married and living with his mother. Flora's father dies and they return to Cleeve Abbey to bury him. Flora has unanswered questions - wash her father's death an accident and what happened to her mother. Both are answered and we learn a lot more about Flora's life.
Looking forward to #3.
May 20, 2020
Proper editing would have made this a better book.
The storyline itself had some potential; however, the editing was dreadful. Repeated phrasing and over-used and repetitive use of adverbs and adjectives was noticeable and distracting. Words missing or misused to the point that sentences made no sense. I would read it again and keep count of the number of errors, but my time is too precious.
The storyline itself had some potential; however, the editing was dreadful. Repeated phrasing and over-used and repetitive use of adverbs and adjectives was noticeable and distracting. Words missing or misused to the point that sentences made no sense. I would read it again and keep count of the number of errors, but my time is too precious.
June 30, 2024
The first book felt like a cozy fun murder mystery. For me, this second book felt depressing and long winded. I understood the main character’s attraction to her love interest in the first book. In this book, I felt he was constantly dismissive of her feelings and experiences while shaming and coaching the way she spoke. So I didn’t enjoy the plot or vibe and I didn’t understand who she chose to love and trust.
December 31, 2023
Talented Storyteller Messy Writer
Ms. Davidson does wonderful cozies with compelling plots and fabulous reveals. She also frequently has beautiful descriptors. However, failed parallels, clumsy tenses, and poor story editing diminish the purest pleasure for her reader, barring which, I would have given her 5 stars.
Ms. Davidson does wonderful cozies with compelling plots and fabulous reveals. She also frequently has beautiful descriptors. However, failed parallels, clumsy tenses, and poor story editing diminish the purest pleasure for her reader, barring which, I would have given her 5 stars.
March 23, 2024
Much better than Book 1!
This was a good cosy crime read. The characters were better drawn than the first book and the various strands came together neatly.
Once again it's all about the gap between rich and poor and the lengths people could go to to avoid scandal, but this was entertaining and the complexities made sense.
This was a good cosy crime read. The characters were better drawn than the first book and the various strands came together neatly.
Once again it's all about the gap between rich and poor and the lengths people could go to to avoid scandal, but this was entertaining and the complexities made sense.
October 15, 2025
This book was such a disappointment to me after the first in this series, which I loved. It skipped several years, and it was jarring to not know the backstory of what happened between the last book and the start of this one. I actually thought I had missed a book. I don't think I'll read anymore of this series.
August 14, 2018
Good Mystery
Little slow for me at first I know you got to get to know the characters but then it got really good, I was accusing everyone of the crime couldn't figure out who did it, I wonder when we ever find out what happened to Lilly,
Little slow for me at first I know you got to get to know the characters but then it got really good, I was accusing everyone of the crime couldn't figure out who did it, I wonder when we ever find out what happened to Lilly,
January 25, 2024
A very good book!!!
For anyone who loves a really, really good historical story with interesting, complex characters. I hated for the book to end. I read Anita Davidson's first book too, Murder On Board. I'm going to read all of her books in order I think that's the best way.
For anyone who loves a really, really good historical story with interesting, complex characters. I hated for the book to end. I read Anita Davidson's first book too, Murder On Board. I'm going to read all of her books in order I think that's the best way.
February 4, 2024
enjoyable read
Flora and Bunny travel to her father’s funeral. She learns many things she had understood were wrong. Glad that the fire at the beginning of the book somehow was part of the plot
Flora and Bunny travel to her father’s funeral. She learns many things she had understood were wrong. Glad that the fire at the beginning of the book somehow was part of the plot
August 22, 2024
A lot is going on in this one, with all the threads being weaved into a final solution. Again just a tad long but a nice read with likeable characters. Disappointing that the reader is deprived of the courtship between Flora and Bunny.
October 18, 2024
Good story but slow build up
It was a good read, easy to access story. You don’t have to have read the previous book, but some characters are present in both. Slow to gather facts and not all information shared until the end.
It was a good read, easy to access story. You don’t have to have read the previous book, but some characters are present in both. Slow to gather facts and not all information shared until the end.
Read
November 14, 2025The author made an interesting choice with the narrative arc of this series to start book 2 where she does. I found this a pretty strong installment, with more nuance and emotional depth than I recall from her other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews